Fascinating Authors

Book Review
by
John H. Manhold

The Way of Forgiveness, ISBN9780982279908, Fearless Books, Paperback, 111pages, $12.95 by D. Patrick Miller.

This book is a new edition of “A Little Book of Forgiveness,” published by Viking in 1994. It begins with a most complimentary forward by Frederic Luskin, PhD and Director of Stanford Forgiveness Projects. The author follows by providing an  introductory  short overview of problems that may require forgiveness and why forgiveness is necessary to attain a better way of life. He then proceeds with the body of the book, and lists the “Seven Steps of Forgiving” and follows by looking at them through several scenarios.

The first section deals with “Forgiving Others.” Here he states: “It might seem a lot easier to forgive someone if only he or she would show signs of changing.” He further explains that: “The paradox is that we are unlikely to see signs of change in others until we have forgiven them.” The author follows with reasons why this happens, and the results of such action, and then provides a series of examples and suggestions.

“Forgiving Yourself” provides a look at the process of, and begins with, the author’s description of handling a personal problem. He expands upon this by offering suggestions for how others may proceed to remove a similar burdensome feeling.

“Where Forgiveness Leads” suggests that “…human nature encompasses more than our destructive habits; it also has within it the potential for surrender.” But, the author explains, “The surrender that matters is giving up the belief that we have enemies.” And that this may not be achieved for a thousand years, but “simply remembering to make the attempt whenever possible is what will eventually undo the (Chaotic) world as we know it.”

“The Seven Steps Expanded” chapter is simply that – expanded suggestions for implementing The Way of Forgiveness.

D. Patrick Miller has written a simple text on forgiveness that includes many platitudes. However, it no doubt will find an interested audience among a number of readers because, to quote Dr. Luskin: “In addition to this research I have taught forgiveness to tens of thousands of hurt and angry people. What I find fascinating is that the things I taught, researched, and proved to be true, D. Patrick Miller already knew. I am writing this forward because of the remarkable degree of concordance this book has with the results of my research. The huge number of people I have worked with clinically demonstrates to me that the simple truths espoused in Mr. Miller’s work are just that: simple truths.”